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Pennysylvania's Juvenile Justice System


 * 1. What is a delinquent act?
 * 2. What does it mean to be a delinquent child?
 * 3. Can children in juvenile court waive, or give up, their above rights?
 * 4. When and how may a child be taken into police custody?
 * 5. May a juvenile be fingerprinted or photographed after arrest?
 * 6. How long may a juvenile be kept at a police station after an arrest?
 * 7. May a juvenile be kept in a juvenile detention center until a detention hearing?
 * 8. What happens when a child is detained?6.
 * 9. What is decided at the detention hearing?
 * 10. Where may juveniles be detained before trial?
 * 11. How is the juvenile court process started?
 * 12. Can the court process be avoided?
 * 13. After the delinquency petition is filed is there any way to have the judicial process suspended?
 * 14. What is an adjudicatory hearing?
 * 15. When does an adjudicatory hearing take place?
 * 16. What is a disposition hearing?
 * 17. How long can a juvenile’s court disposition last?
 * 18. Can the court order a child’s parent or guardian to participate in a disposition?
 * 19. Can parents be held responsible for reimbursements ordered as part of disposition?
 * 20. Can a juvenile be transferred to a less restrictive placement before the initial disposition has been completed?
 * 21. Can a juvenile appeal a court’s decision?
 * 22. Is the juvenile court closed to the public?
 * 23. Are juvenile records automatically erased (expunged)?


 * __CASE EXAMPLES:__**

A. Rank order from the most serious to the least serious cases. B. You are acting as the juvenile court judge in each of the following cases. What would you do with the young person to provide rehabilitation?

1. Doug, age 14, resides with mother and step-father in Robinson Township. He was arrested by the Montour Police Department and charged with Retail Theft. The allegation is that he stole an IPOD, valued at $300.00. The store in which he stole the IPOD from has no opinion on the way the case should proceed. This marks Doug’s first ever involvement with juvenile court. His mother reports no problems at home. Academically, Doug attends school daily and has honor roll grades. What would you do if you were the Intake PO?

A. Probation B. Consent Decree C. Extended Service D. Intake Adjustment – withdraw the charge

2. Michael, age 17, resides with mother and 2 brothers in East Liberty. He was arrested by Pittsburgh Police at 11:30 pm and charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking, Criminal Conspiracy (Theft), Receiving Stolen Property, and Drivers Required to be Licensed. The allegation is that Michael was driving a stolen car with one of his friends. This is the second time Michael has been arrested, but his initial charges a year ago were withdrawn by the PO. His mother reports typical teenage behavior at home, but recently she has suspicions that he is smoking marijuana and hanging out with negative peers. Michael is at home on EHM (ankle bracelet) pending his court hearing on 10-27-05. What would you recommend at court?

A. Probation B. Consent Decree C. CISP Center in Homewood D. Boot Camp

3. Kathy, 16, resides with her parents in the West End. Kathy was arrested by Pittsburgh Police and charged with Aggravated Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Terroristic Threats, and Disorderly Conduct. The allegation is that she attacked a girl with a baseball bat at a local playground. The victim’s injuries were serious and required a short stay in the hospital. She was previously on a Consent Decree for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her mother reports that Kathy does not follow the rules at home, skips school, and is failing three classes. She is being detained at Shuman Center. What would you recommend at court?

A. Probation B. Academy Day/Evening Program C. Boot camp for 90 days D. Residential placement at Adelphoi Village or Gannondale

4. Amber, 15, resides with her father and younger sister in the North Hills. She was arrested by Ross Twp. Police and charged with Possession With Intent to Deliver Marijuana and Possession of Marijuana. This is the second time Amber has been arrested. She is currently on Probation for Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana. Amber attends North Hills HS where she is an excellent student. She helps take care of her siblings and do housework because her father has to work 2 jobs to support the family. She said that she sells drugs to help her father financially support the family. Amber’s PO not only filed these charges, but also filed a Violation of Probation Allegation. She is detained at Shuman Center pending her hearing. What would you recommend?

A. Academy Day/Evening Program B. Gateway YES or Ridgeview C. Boot Camp D. Residential facility such as Adelphoi Village or Gannondale

5. Dave, 16, is on Probation for the charge of Simple Assault, Disorderly Conduct, and Harassment. He attends school at Shaler High School, and was involved in a fight with another student over a girl. The school is very upset with Dave and has sought a 5 day suspension, given the fact the safety of staff and other students was at-risk. No new charges are being filed, but, the Probation Officer is now aware of the fight. Dave has been compliant with his supervision, and poses few concerns. His parents report positive behaviors from the home. What would you do?

A. 3 day Sanction at Shuman Center and possible referral for anger management B. Strong Warning C. Referral for anger management counseling D. Nothing

6. Jason, age 16, resides with his parents and sister in Bethel Park. Jason was arrested by Bethel Park Police and charged with Robbery w/ Deadly Weapon, Firearms Not to be Carried Without a License, Possession of a Firearm by a Minor, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Receiving Stolen Property, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Terroristic Threats. Jason was originally charged under Act 33 and taken to the Allegheny County Jail. His case was de-certified back to Juvenile Court on 10-1-05 and he was transported from Jail to Shuman Center. This is the fourth time that Jason has been arrested. His charges range from Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana, Simple Assault, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, and Criminal Mischief. He was involved with a gang prior to moving to Bethel Park. Jason claims that he carries the gun for protection from rival gangs. The allegation is that Jason robbed a pizza delivery man at gunpoint and stole his money and pizzas. Parents report that Jason is out of control and they are concerned about his safety in the community. What would you recommend?

a. Boot Camp for 90 days b. Residential placement at Summit Academy or George Junior Republic c. Youth Development Center at New Castle d. Academy Day/Evening Program

7. Shannon, age 14, is being arrested for Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct, and Loitering or Prowling at Night. It is alleged that she threw a small rock at a neighbor’s home, breaking a window, and causing damage in the amount of $500.00. This is her first delinquent involvement. Her mother states Shannon behaves well in the home, and you discover that she is an average to below average student at Hampton Middle School. The victim’s are very worried about their safety now, and wonders why she targeted them. How would you proceed?

a. Intake Adjustment – withdraw the charges b. Extended Service c. Consent Decree d. Academy Day / Evening Program

8. William, age 16, is currently on Probation for charges of Criminal Conspiracy and Burglary. Over the holidays, you receive information from the police department that they are investigating him for another Burglary charge. You, the PO, had him on Home Detention for the holidays given his poor academic performance, repeated skipping of school, and disrespect towards adult authority. Although you are not sure if he committed another Burglary at this time, you do know without question that he violated Home Detention. How do you respond?

a. Do nothing b. Place him in the 7 day Boot Camp sanction program c. Extend his Home Detention another week d. Speak with him about his negative behaviors